Microneedle Patch Infusion Device with End-of-Dose Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin infusion devices face challenges such as high cost, discomfort, and complexity, particularly with infusion pumps, which are cumbersome and inconvenient, while daily injection therapies lack continuous infusion and precision dosing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A patch-like, self-contained infusion device with microneedles and an end-of-dose indicator that provides a convenient, efficient, and comfortable method for delivering medications, combining the benefits of continuous infusion and precision dosing with the simplicity of daily injection therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infusion pump therapy is used to provide continuous infusion and precision dosing, then glucose control and patient wellness are improved, but device cost, weight, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable insulin delivery device that eliminates the need for expensive, complex reusable pumps. The entire device including reservoir, needle, and delivery mechanism is designed as a single-use unit, providing continuous infusion capability at a fraction of the cost of traditional pumps while maintaining reliability for glucose control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of continuous insulin delivery from the complex pump system, creating a simplified device that delivers insulin continuously through a reservoir and needle assembly without requiring the sophisticated controls, power sources, and monitoring systems of traditional pumps
2Ease of operation
If traditional needles are used for injection therapy, then medication delivery is achieved, but patient discomfort and needle-stick injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microneedles with specific local properties - extremely fine gauge (30-34 gauge) and short length (1/16 to 1/8 inch) - that are optimized for minimal skin penetration while effectively delivering insulin. This local quality improvement reduces patient discomfort and eliminates needle-stick injury risks associated with traditional larger needles
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable infusion devices are used to reduce cost, then device cost decreases, but manufacturing precision and needle penetration control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-assembled with the needle precisely positioned and pre-calibrated during manufacturing to achieve correct penetration depth. The needle is pre-loaded in a protective housing that guides it to the exact required depth upon activation, eliminating the need for complex real-time control mechanisms and simplifying both manufacturing and use
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fine-gauge and short needles are used to reduce discomfort, then patient comfort improves, but manufacturing difficulty and penetration depth control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fine-gauge needle is nested within a protective housing or hub that provides structural support and precise positioning. This nested structure allows the delicate microneedle to maintain its fine dimensions for patient comfort while the outer housing provides the rigidity needed for controlled penetration and simplified manufacturing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device offers improved patient convenience and safety by using microneedles for minimally invasive delivery and an end-of-dose indicator for precise dosing, addressing the limitations of existing insulin infusion methods.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing system for pressurizing the reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin includes a body (104, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing the medicament, an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and communicating with the reservoir (160), and a pressurizing system for pressurizing the reservoir (160). The device also includes indicator means (124) visible outside the device (100) for indicating that delivery of the medicament is substantially complete.